BGS and the Canada-Minnesota Business Council
November 10, 2016 | Barna, Guzy & Steffen, Ltd.Barna Guzy & Steffen is a member of the Canada-Minnesota Business Council (CMBC), a Minnesota-based volunteer organization established in 1994 to support the commercial, economic, and cultural relationship between Minnesota and Canada. BGS attorney Carole Isakson recently attended an event hosted by the CMBC, featuring an intelligent and insightful presentation by global investment research firm TIS Group Inc. CMBC works closely with the office of the Consulate General of Canada in Minnesota, and at the event Ms. Isakson was pleased to meet and converse with Canadian Consul General Khawar Nasim. The Minneapolis office of the Consul General covers Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota. According to the CMBC, trade between Minnesota and Canada now exceeds $20 billion dollars annually, with Canada representing Minnesota’s largest trading partner in the world. The CMBC’s ongoing mandate is support for education, policy advocacy, and business networking within the growing community of private and public stakeholders involved in this critical business partnership. BGS is proud to be a member of the CMBC, and looks forward to becoming more involved with this valuable organization.
Read MoreAnoka Halloween Ambassador Candidate Samantha Meyer
October 21, 2016 | Barna, Guzy & Steffen, Ltd.In keeping with our mission to support the community in which we are located, Barna, Guzy & Steffen is sponsoring a candidate in the 2016/17 Anoka Halloween Ambassador Scholarship program. Samantha Meyer is a senior at Anoka High School this year and maintains a GPA of 4.01, along with participating in many extracurricular activities and sports. She is a member of the National Honors Society, Rock Climbing Club, Lacrosse, Concert Orchestra, and dance and is involved with her church. She also works at Stoney River Assisted Living in Ramsey. Her creativity shines in this spooktakular decorated BGS pumpkin she created to recognize BGS for her sponsorship and was on display at the Sponsor Dinner on Oct. 20th. Samantha sent the gift back to BGS with Attorney Joan Quade who attended the event. The Anoka Royal Ambassador Program raises money for scholarships for young women and its mission to “support the growth and development of young women in Anoka through scholarship, achievement, and grace.” Samantha’s goal is to attend the University of Minnesota next year to study dentistry.
Read MoreIs it Real or Make Believe?
October 20, 2016 | Carole Clark Isaksonby Carole Clark Isakson My daughter and I recently enjoyed the weekend Renaissance Festival.We expected to be delighted by the disguises and costumes and this event did not disappoint! The make-believe is fun and often we’re too excited to question – “ who is behind the mask?” Possibly my character, possibly my training, but I’m always curious as to what lies behind the facade, so I asked one particular long-haired-leather-wearing-sword-wielding giant of a man what he did during the week, “I sell car insurance!” he happily told me. Love it, that radical change between real and make-believe is fabulous… in the entertainment industry! However, in the more traditional business settings disguises and make-believe can be dangerous. All kidding aside, this is a question we need to ask ourselves in ANY business setting… with whom am I doing business? Start by asking this question with regards to your suppliers, customers, and business associates. Suppliers may all look excellent at first, as you are greeted with professional marketing pieces and a vibrant website. But who is behind that mask? Before betting some of your company’s success on a supplier, ask some hard questions. What is the company’s financial condition? Has it been sued? Filed for bankruptcy relief? Owe taxes? Many of our attorneys can check…
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